Lyric Opera’s “Celebrating Oklahoma!” event

Hay bales, sunflowers and a banjo player set the scene at The Women’s Board of the Lyric Opera’s “Celebrating Oklahoma!” event, inspired by the opera’s latest production. Nearly 200 guests dug into a family-style Southern picnic at the May 9 bash, passing around a traditional pickle board, fried chicken, mac and cheese and pecan pies crafted by chef Art Smith. Co-chairs Trisha Rooney Alden and Jacky Ferro, whose husband is the chairman of Sun-Times’ parent company Wrapports, mingled with attendees before the Lyric’s cast put on a performance of the musical.

The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. The Sun-Times Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust will match every dollar donated to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, up to a total of $25,000. Up to $1,000 can be matched per individual donation.